In this context, the word prototype means a first full-scale, usually a functional form, of a new type or a design of a construction, according to the Merriam Webster online dictionary. In other words, a prototype is a simplistic version of something to be built which provides information about the feasibility of the development of the final product and its usefulness. This version helps to set the right expectations with stakeholders on what the final product will look like. From a technical perspective, the prototype can be used as a “proof of concept” and as a means for testing certain parameters of the final product.
Most industries have become dependent on prototypes because they have proved to be useful tools to use on development projects. They save time and money as well as improve chances of the project’s success. When there is a new design being contemplated for development, instead of going all out and spending time and money on building the complete design, a portion of that money can be spent to build a prototype which helps the engineers answer some questions whose answer is essential for the success of the development of the full design.
For example, if software engineers are not sure whether two of the full design components are compatible and able to interface with each other, they can develop a prototype of these components and find out whether they can actually work together properly or not.
Some manufacturing industries set-up their manufacturing process to a series of prototypes, each proving part of the design. This continues until the final product takes shape through the culmination of the group of prototypes. This is common in the automotive industry where the initial prototypes test the concept, then the functionality of each component, while the final prototypes test the functionality of the system altogether.
The prototype is a model which is a simplistic simulation of reality. Traditionally, prototypes are three dimensional. They are also tangible. However, more and more models are being simulated on computers. With the new opportunities technology is offering organizations, many are moving to the use of computer models to take on the role of the traditional prototypes.
A prototype is useful when working with clients on development projects. It helps the client imagine what the final product will look or feel like. This is very important to manage customer expectations. Sometimes, especially during planning, suppliers develop prototypes to be included as part of the scope definition of a project to make sure the client understands how certain parts of the system will look like or how they will function. Using prototypes in this manner reduces the probability of misunderstanding on the part of the client on what the final product will look like and the probability of misunderstanding on the supplier’s side on what the client’s requirements are.
A prototype can also help team members imagine the situation they will be in and what the product will look and feel like during different stages of the development. Sometimes, in their haste, team members rush into development before checking the assumptions they are making, whether they are valid or not. The simplistic model gives them a chance to check these assumptions and make sure they are moving in the right direction. It also provides room for improvements on the design as a prototype helps to see flaws as well as opportunities for improvements.
Friday-Saturday, March 9-10, 2007